’Blue city

JetBlue has Worcester very much on its radar. That is the clear message Massport’s new CEO brought to the city on Friday.

“We’re very optimistic, and I think the people of Worcester should be very optimistic,” Thomas P. Glynn told the Telegram & Gazette editorial board Friday.

JetBlue executives are slated to visit the city again Jan. 23.

Mr. Glynn noted that Massport has accomplished much since it bought the hilltop facility from the city in 2010, including commiting $30 million for an upgrade of the landing systems. On the topic of road access, he noted that airlines have not had trouble loading planes here in the past, and that any access shortcomings would not preclude JetBlue’s tentative plan to operate two flights a day, seven days a week, out of Worcester.

JetBlue Airways could begin, by early next year, to offer flights to two destinations in Florida. Worcester Regional Airport has been without commercial service since the failure of Direct Air last year.

Having an airline with the reputation and popularity of JetBlue flying in and out of Worcester will undoubtedly draw travelers from throughout the area.

The stronger that response, the better the beginning. Leaders and residents need to start thinking in terms of booking out of Worcester again; it is the day-in, day-out arrival of paying passengers that will provide the welcome JetBlue will most need to hear, if it makes the decision the area awaits.